December 27, 2009

I’m posting the letter that I received from the Verano Housing Office about the Ethernet outage, so those who didn’t receive this letter directly have the necessary information. Let me also note that from my personal research (from my informal network of friends and from walking around Verano to talk to other residents, this outage is for ALL Verano residents. If I’m wrong and you’re a Verano resident with Internet access, please drop a comment below):

December 26, 2009

TO: All Verano Place ResidentsFROM: bchaney@uci.edu

RE: Ethernet Problems

If you are able to receive this message, please share this information with other Verano Place residents who may not have Ethernet access.

Problems:We are aware of two Ethernet problems in Verano Place. The first is a certificate issue that should have been resolved last Tuesday. If you are getting a message to accept the Clean Access Certificate, please contact OIT (824-2222) for assistance.

The second problem, no Ethernet service to some sections of Verano, was reported last Thursday. At that time, the system showed over 900 active links, so while there is some service, there is a significant outage. The system has been checked remotely by two of our IT staff and on-site by another. Unfortunately, it appears that we will not have the resources to resolve the outage problem until January 4th.

Other Computing ResourcesIn the meantime, please be aware that the computer lab in the Engineering Gateway is available for round the clock use (except Tuesdays 2-4 am). Also, we are currently making arrangements to reopen the Verano Place Cafe (3300 Verano Place) during the break to provide a more local resource. There are 6 computers and wireless access if you would like to use your laptop. Staffing is being arranged, so hours are uncertain at this time. Please call before heading over (949-824-7981).

Last Wednesday our Internet connection went down. Within a few days we learned that this was an outage affecting most of our neighbors, perhaps even thousands of on-campus apartments. This happened during the budget-mandated furlough at UCI, which means that all the IT people are on mandatory leave. There’s one measly helpline open, and they have no jurisdiction over the Ethernet systems in on-campus residences.

Then today we received an email letting us know that we’d likely not have Internet until Jan 4th. Sigh. But we also learned that one laundry room in our neighborhood has wireless (why a laundry room? Oh, wouldn’t I like to know!). So for now, this is my office–where I’ll be doing all the writing & research that I’d planned for the Winter break. It’s horribly inconvenient–I’ve been standing at the side of a washer typing away for the past 45 minutes. Talk about unergonomic! But, at least I’m connected and I can now get some small portion of my work done.

Last Wednesday our Internet connection went down. Within a few days we learned that this was an outage affecting most of our neighbors, perhaps even thousands of on-campus apartments. This happened during the budget-mandated furlough at UCI, which means that all the IT people are on mandatory leave. There’s one measly helpline open, and they have no jurisdiction over the Ethernet systems in on-campus residences.

Then today we received an email letting us know that we’d likely not have Internet until Jan 4th. Sigh. But we also learned that one laundry room in our neighborhood has wireless (why a laundry room? Oh, wouldn’t I like to know!). So for now, this is my office–where I’ll be doing all the writing & research that I’d planned for the Winter break. It’s horribly inconvenient–I’ve been standing at the side of a washer typing away for the past 45 minutes. Talk about unergonomic! But, at least I’m connected and I can now get some small portion of my work done.